'Invertron' training system demonstrated at Waiouru

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 5, 30 June 1987, Page 7

'Invertron' training system demonstrated at Waiouru

The job of forward observers (FO)s in the Army is to accurately pin-point the location of targets and demands a skill that requires much practise because of its technical nature. The New Zealand Army uses the 'Invertron' system to train its soldiers in this highly specialised field. Invertron is a training aid which makes soldiers more confident and capable of targeting indirect fire. The Invertron system. was demonstrated to a group of journalists at the recent press visit held at Waiouru. The system is a complete facility consisting of a building in a small theatretype setting. Within the building 10 projectors, a computer and rows of seating face a large screen which displays panoramic views of different terrains from which the student is put in the position of an FO. The student is equipped with binoculars, a map of the pictured terrain and a compass as an FO would be in the field. An FO has the job of

'scout' forward of an Artillery batteries' location. It is his job to identify targets and relay their exact location back to the battery command post. The battery then fire at the target using his information. If the target is missed the FO relays further details which will enable the battery to correct its fire. An FO also has the responsibility to decide how many guns should be fired at the target. He must also calculate the altitude of the target and his own relative position in compass mils from the target. Students FOs must also have a good command of the 'language' of artillery fire procedures and an understanding of the tactical situation. All these factors have to be considered which students can practise with the Invertron without using expensive live rounds. The simulator's computer calculates the information students pass back. As a result rounds plotted appear on the screen - and hopefully on the target. Realism is created with sound effects and visual proof of the student's ability. The simulator has a total range of 176 different targets, but only four appear on the screen at any one time. Different weapons are also included - including machine guns, helicopters and armoured vehicles. The simulator is

extremely accurate and can out-smart even the best FOs in the Army. Regardless of how good a particular student calculates rounds can be programmed to fall 400 metres short of targets. This forces the best students to practise their procedures with even more care. With the computer's memory students can be debriefed on their efforts and told where they went wrong. Students of all ranks and units are trained on the Invertron system, including officer cadets, Territorial Forces and so on. The skill of calling indirect fire is not only used by the Artillery. During battle there will never be enough FOs to do the job so it may fall on any soldier at any time. With this in mind Invertron is used for more than 80 per cent of its capacity.